According to Australian political folklore, the NSW electorate of Eden-Monaro is a bellwether seat that predicts the outcome of the national election.
Whichever party wins Eden-Monaro takes government (since 1972, anyway).
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd took his campaign to the Eden-Monaro city of Queanbeyan on Sunday before the leaders debate at the National Press Club in the evening.
He visited a cafe-come-art studio Benedict House to announce a $35 million youth employment program, called Step into Skills.
"Hi folks, how are you? Sorry to interrupt," a breezy Mr Rudd greeted diners in one room.
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The new program aims to help young people at risk of falling through the cracks if they don't finish school or have a trade or tertiary qualifications.
Waiter Patrick Bourke, 18, was about to prepare tea.
"Hey, that's a serious, serious skill," the prime minster said.
Asked how he was preparing for the debate, after Tony Abbott ran in Sydney's City2Surf, Mr Rudd said he sought "a bit of divine solace" at St Johns Anglican Church in Canberra.
"I had peace and equanimity," he said.
Mr Rudd on Sunday justified the dumping of Labor candidates Geoff Lake and Ken Robertson.
Mr Lake admitted verbally abusing a wheelchair-bound female councillor 11 years ago while Mr Robertson admitted calling Mr Abbott a bigot.
"When I talk about a new way in politics I mean a new way in politics and I stand by those decisions," Mr Rudd said.
Benedict House had prepared a bit of lunch for Mr Rudd, but he didn't get to eat it.
The vacant table - laden with fish cakes, salad and roast potatoes - was a testament to the hectic pace being set by the leader during the campaign to the September 7 poll.
Eden-Monaro stretches from Queanbeyan to the coast and south to the Victorian border.
Labor incumbent Mike Kelly dismisses its bellwether status as a "bit of mythology".
"You just do the work, and let the community decide," the former soldier said.
"It's better than my old job. No-one is trying to kill me."
He holds the seat on a margin of 4.2 per cent.
